In daily life, doctors often diagnose conditions as 血虚 (xuè xū), 血瘀 (xuè yū), 血寒 (xuè hán), and 血热 (xuè rè). What are the differences between these conditions, and which one might you or your family be experiencing? After confirming symptoms and constitution with a healthcare provider, what else can you do besides regular treatment? In this article, we will explore these concepts one by one.
1. 血虚 (Blood Deficiency)
(1) What is Blood Deficiency?
Blood deficiency refers to a state where the blood is insufficient, leading to a lack of nourishment for the organs, meridians, and body tissues. All skin and tissue in the body require blood for nourishment; when there is insufficient blood to moisten and fill these tissues, it results in blood deficiency.
(2) Symptoms of Blood Deficiency
Individuals with blood deficiency often have a poor complexion, pale and sallow skin, and their lips, tongue, and nails appear very light in color. Symptoms may include dizziness, palpitations, vivid dreams, and in severe cases, dizziness, numbness in the hands and feet, and even night blindness. Women may experience scanty menstrual flow, pale color, or even amenorrhea. Some patients may also experience significant hair loss in a short period.
(3) Causes of Blood Deficiency
Common causes include poor diet, excessive labor, emotional distress, and significant blood loss. Long-term illness or extreme physical weakness can also lead to blood deficiency.
(4) Dietary Adjustments for Blood Deficiency
To nourish the blood, it is essential to strengthen the spleen. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the spleen and stomach are the source of blood production. A balanced diet and normal spleen and stomach function will ensure a continuous supply of blood. Therefore, to nourish the blood, one must first strengthen the spleen and stomach. For those diagnosed with blood deficiency, in addition to the prescribed medications, consider the following:
【黄豆炖猪肝 (Soybean Stewed with Pig Liver)】 In TCM, soybeans are sweet and neutral, helping to strengthen the spleen, eliminate dampness, and nourish the blood. Pig liver nourishes the liver, brightens the eyes, and is beneficial for blood deficiency and sallow complexion, making it suitable for those with qi and blood deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia. The combination is very effective.
Prepare 100 grams each of soybeans and pig liver. First, cook the soybeans until they are about 80% done, then add the pig liver and continue to stew until fully cooked. Consume twice daily for three weeks for optimal results.
2. 血瘀 (Blood Stasis)
(1) What is Blood Stasis?
Blood stasis refers to a pathological state where blood circulation is slow and obstructed, leading to stagnation of qi and blood.
(2) Symptoms of Blood Stasis
Individuals with blood stasis often have a dark complexion, deep purple lips, and localized pain in the body. In severe cases, the pain can feel like being cut with a knife, and it may worsen at night. Surface lumps may appear dark purple, while internal ones are hard and do not move when pressed. There may be recurrent bleeding with dark purple blood or black stools. Women may commonly experience amenorrhea.
(3) Causes of Blood Stasis
Blood stasis occurs when blood circulation is obstructed. Blood should flow freely, but various pathogenic factors can lead to blood accumulation or leakage outside the vessels, resulting in blood stasis.
(4) Dietary Adjustments for Blood Stasis
For those with qi stagnation and blood stasis, it is advisable to consume foods that promote qi movement and invigorate blood circulation, while minimizing salt and MSG to avoid increasing blood viscosity and worsening stasis. Friends diagnosed with blood stasis need not worry; in addition to following medical advice and treatment, you can also choose:
【黑豆粥 (Black Bean Porridge)】 Black beans are sweet and neutral, helping to dispel wind and heat, regulate the middle and lower qi, detoxify, promote diuresis, and nourish the kidneys and blood. Glutinous rice nourishes yin, generates fluids, alleviates thirst, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and helps consolidate the intestines. Together, they make a porridge that is beneficial for those with blood stasis.
Prepare 50 grams of black beans, 100 grams of glutinous rice, and an appropriate amount of brown sugar. Wash the black beans and soak them until soft, then add the glutinous rice and water to cook the porridge, adding brown sugar before serving.
3. 血寒 (Blood Cold)
(1) What is Blood Cold?
Blood cold refers to a condition where cold pathogens enter the blood, causing stagnation and obstruction of blood flow.
(2) Symptoms of Blood Cold
Individuals with blood cold often feel cold and prefer warmth. They tend to crave hot foods, have cold hands and feet, and may experience purple skin. Sometimes they may have abdominal pain, which alleviates when warmed. Women may experience delayed menstruation with dark purple blood and clots.
(3) Causes of Blood Cold
Blood cold is caused by exposure to cold pathogens, insufficient qi and blood, prolonged exposure to cold, or women experiencing cold during menstruation or consuming excessive cold foods.
(4) Dietary Adjustments for Blood Cold
Individuals with blood cold should consume more warming foods and avoid cold foods. Friends diagnosed with blood cold need not panic; under medical guidance, they can also incorporate:
【生姜红枣茶 (Ginger and Red Date Tea)】 Ginger is spicy and can invigorate blood and dispel cold. Red dates can tonify the middle, benefit qi, nourish blood, and calm the mind. Together, they make a tea that warms the center, disperses cold, alleviates nausea, restores yang, opens the meridians, nourishes blood, and strengthens the vital energy.
Use 150 grams of ginger and 5-6 red dates. Clean and slice the ginger, then boil it with the red dates in about 500ml of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Before serving, add an appropriate amount of brown sugar, and try to consume it in the morning.
4. 血热 (Blood Heat)
(1) What is Blood Heat?
Blood heat refers to an abnormal condition where external heat pathogens enter the blood, causing accelerated blood flow.
(2) Symptoms of Blood Heat
Individuals with blood heat often have red, oily skin and are prone to acne. They may exhibit irritability, mood swings, and hot hands and feet. Symptoms may include bleeding, such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, hematuria, and coughing up blood. Some patients may also suffer from psoriasis.
(3) Causes of Blood Heat
TCM believes that excessive yang energy, high heat, and hot blood can accelerate blood flow, leading to rapid pulse. Emotional instability and excessive consumption of spicy seafood can also contribute to blood heat.
(4) Dietary Adjustments for Blood Heat
Individuals with blood heat should consume more cooling and moistening foods while avoiding warming and drying foods. Those diagnosed with blood heat need not be anxious; following medical advice and taking prescribed medications is sufficient, and they can also choose:
【菊花茶 (Chrysanthemum Tea)】 Chrysanthemum is sweet and bitter, cold in nature, and can disperse wind, clear heat, brighten the eyes, and detoxify. It is effective for acne, throat inflammation, wind-heat, headaches, and oral ulcers caused by dryness and excessive heat.
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